POLICE COURT.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 7 May 1919, Page 3

POLICE COURT.

* Theft of Bicycle. At the Otaki Police Court yesterday (Messrs Frank Bennett and C. 11. AVilliams, J’s.P,, presiding), a young Native, recently returned from the front, was charged, on tho information of .Constable Sathcrlcy, with stealing a bicycle, the property of -Mr HaroldSmall. Accused, who elected summary trial, pleaded guilty. The constable, in stating his ease, said that on the 26th April Mr Suiall left his bicycle at the railway station,: and on his return found it missing. The constable was acquainted with the fact and from information gleaned soon located tlic machine, and later taxed the accused, who denied all knowledge, with tho theft. Later the facts were admitted.

Accused said drink had been the cause of the trouble, further that he was not really guilty of the offence, and that .a mate of his, who would not. own up, was the guilty one, and he (accused) had pleaded guilty to save further trouble.

Constable Sathcrlcy said two bicycles had been reported missing of recent date, while another was stolen from tho Mothodist Church on Sunday night. He asked assistance from the Bench to put down further similar offences, which were becoming too frequent. The Bench pointed out to accused that he was/liable to six months in gaol or a £2* fine. As he was a returned man, however, they considered a fine of £B, in default. If days’ imprisonment, would meet the ease. Two weeks’ time was given in which to pay An Unfortunate Case. Ambrose Paterson AVilliams, who was arrested by Constable Sathcrlcy near To Horo yesterday morning, was unable to appear to answer a charge of drunkenness, owing to being in a bad state with the D.T.’s. He was reminded for seven days’ medical treatment,